A corporation is a legal entity created through the laws of its state of incorporation, treating a corporation as a legal “person” that has standing to sue and be sued, distinct from its stockholders. Corporations are taxable entities that are taxed at a lower rate from individuals. Until formally dissolved, a corporation has perpetual life; deaths of officials or stockholders do not alter the corporation’s structure. State laws regulate the creation, organization and dissolution of corporations. Many states follow the Model Business Corporation Act. States also have registration laws requiring corporations that incorporate in other states to request permission to do in-state business.
The rules concerning age of majority and emancipation vary in the different states of U.S. The related law of each state is discussed under the following state links.